Six Flags to Add Seat Belts After Deadly Goliath Coaster Fall
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation has announced that it will add seat belts to the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia following the tragic death of a guest who fell from the ride earlier this month. The decision comes as the company’s CEO said in a statement Friday that Goliath remains closed pending safety reviews and clearances. The victim was identified as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old Atlanta resident and a “cherished member” of a public charter school, who fell from the coaster on October 12. The addition of seat belts marks a significant change to the ride’s restraint system as investigators continue to examine what happened.
In the statement, the CEO emphasized that safety is the company’s top priority and that the addition of seat belts is part of a broader effort to enhance ride safety. “Safety also depends on the dedicated teams who operate and maintain our attractions every day,” the CEO said, acknowledging the role of staff in ensuring guest safety. The company did not provide a timeline for when Goliath might reopen, but confirmed that the ride will remain closed until all safety reviews and clearances are complete.
Out of an abundance of caution, Six Flags has also temporarily closed eight other rides at five additional Six Flags parks. These closures are precautionary and not necessarily related to the incident on Goliath, but the company is taking no chances as it evaluates the safety of its attractions. Despite these closures, Six Flags said its parks remain open, with more than 220 roller coasters operating across its properties. The company is working closely with investigators to determine the cause of the incident and to ensure that all rides meet the highest safety standards.
The death of Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem has deeply affected the community, and Six Flags has expressed its condolences to his family and friends. The company is cooperating fully with authorities and has pledged to take all necessary steps to prevent similar tragedies in the future. As the investigation continues, guests can expect to see enhanced safety measures on Goliath and potentially other rides. Six Flags is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all its guests, and the addition of seat belts is just one of the steps being taken to uphold that commitment.
Shimanta Das 
